Recent deadly attacks and killings in Benue State, North Central Nigeria, have triggered widespread outrage, on the streets of Makurdi and across the country. Human rights organizations, community leaders, and concerned citizens have risen to call on the Federal Government to take immediate and decisive action to halt the escalating violence and killing in Benue and other parts of the country.
Amnesty International revealed that gunmen launched a coordinated assault on Yelewata village in Guma Local Government Area, Benue State, between Friday night and early Saturday morning, June 13 and 14.
According to the group, at least 100 people were reportedly killed in the attack, with some estimates suggesting the death toll could exceed 200. Entire families were said to have been burned alive in their homes, dozens remain missing, and hundreds of survivors are injured and struggling without adequate medical care.
In response, Benue State Governor Hyacinth Alia dispatched a delegation to commiserate with affected families. However, the state government has come under fire for its handling of the situation, particularly for allegedly suppressing peaceful protests in Makurdi. Demonstrators, mainly youths, blocked major roads to demand justice and increased security. Police reportedly arrested 14 people during the protests, which authorities claim were hijacked by miscreants.
There is growing speculation that the attackers may have included armed herders, with some reports suggesting the involvement of foreign mercenaries. In a separate incident, police arrested 33 individuals from northern Nigeria who were found attempting to occupy a private property in Makurdi, raising further security concerns.
The attacks have drawn sharp condemnation from civil society. Amnesty International described the massacre as “horrifying” and accused the Nigerian government of failing to prevent what it termed “almost daily bloodshed.” It urged authorities to bring the perpetrators to justice and restore security in the region.
The Human Rights Writers Association of Nigeria (HURIWA) warned that the country risks descending into ethnic violence if the federal government does not respond swiftly and firmly. It condemned the mass killings, allegedly carried out by armed Fulani herdsmen, and called for urgent action to prevent further escalation.
The Initiative for Human Rights and Gender Awareness (IHRGA) launched an online petition demanding an end to the Benue violence, using hashtags such as #StopBenueKillings, #SaveBenue, and #JusticeForYelewata to mobilize public support.
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On social media platform X (formerly Twitter), users expressed their horror and frustration over the killings. One user, @BI_TINLAYE, wrote:
“Those horrible videos I watched about that innocent 200 citizens of Benue Nigeria that got massacred is the most saddest videos ever, like why can’t the government declare the state of emergency in that state?”
Another user, @NelsonSplendid1 wrote:
“Why should the government rehabilitate people who deliberately killed innocent children? What crime did these little children commit that warranted their massacre by Fulani herdsmen? A state of emergency should be declared in Benue to end this pogrom now.”
The incident has sparked widespread outrage, with calls for President Bola Tinubu to declare a state of emergency in Benue State
Meanwhile, President Tinubu has issued a press statement in reaction to the onslaught in Benue State.
“Enough is enough! I have directed security agencies to act decisively, arrest perpetrators of these evil acts on all sides of the conflict, and prosecute them,” Tinubu stated.
He further urged political and community leaders in Benue to avoid inflammatory rhetoric and instead champion dialogue and reconciliation.
“This is the time for Governor Alia to act as a statesman and lead the peace process. Our people must live in peace, and it is possible when leaders across divides work together in harmony and address differences with fairness, openness, and justice.”